Agenda and minutes

The chairman explained the format of the meeting and the fact that the meeting would be recorded by the media, in accordance with the legislation.

As recorded above.

There were no declarations.

There was no urgent business.

The public speakers to this item, spoke after the application had been presented and are recorded with the minute for that item.

None.

The application before the committee was for the demolition of a mix of existing buildings and the erection of mixed use development comprising retail, restaurants and cafes, offices/business starter units, hotel, student accommodation and ancillary facilities, 50 apartments, library, place of worship (Baptist Church), community hall, crèche, cinema, gymnasium, covered car parking and access, public square, landscaping and associated works, supported by an Environmental Impact Assessment, amended plans and further information.

The officer introduced this item, showing plans, aerial views, designs, elevations and artists’ impressions of the proposed site.

The following updates applied:

• 16 additional letters of objection were received from local residents reiterating concerns outlined in the report.
• A letter of objection was received from the tenant of West Way House, stating they will lose the ability to convert the building to 14 flats.
• Four additional letters of support were received, together with a further 50 representations via the applicant’s website supporting the application.
• A letter of support was received from the owners of Elms Court who state the building is at the end of its useful life and without regeneration the building is likely to deteriorate further.
• Sovereign Housing had now withdrawn its objection, subject to a planning condition on phasing to ensure the impact on their residents is kept to a minimum.
• A letter of receipt was received from Botley Baptist Church.

·         Members of the committee had also received a variety of representations

The committee was reminded of the relevant core polices, the National Planning Policy Framework and the “presumption in favour of sustainable development”, with its three dimensions: economic, social and environmental.

The proposed development would bring a “step change” from the existing local character of the area, but possible harm would be mitigated by the application design. There would be a limited impact on the wider Oxford skyline.

Elms parade is a non-designated heritage asset and its loss would be compensated by the advantages of the scheme.

Highways:

Oxfordshire County Council considers that there would be an adverse effect on the local road network, but that it is not severe in the light of the NPPF. The highways department also has serious concerns regarding car parking overspill onto the surrounding streets. The student accommodation is to be car free and a restrictive covenant will be in place with penalties attached for breach.

Public Speakers

Vale of White Horse District Councillor Dudley Hoddinott spoke, in accordance with standing order 17 of the constitution. He objected to the development and his concerns included the following:

·         Scale and massing.

·         Environmental impact.

·         The 49 material conditions attached to the recommendation in order to make the development work.

·         The tallest building would be ten metres higher than existing buildings.

·         It was out of character with the existing area.

·         Implications for road safety.

Vale of White Horse District Councillor Judy Roberts spoke, in accordance with standing order 17 of the constitution.  She objected to the development and her concerns included the following:

·         Unacceptable traffic and environmental problems

·         Harm to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.